In an effort to raise funds to support preservation projects in the City of Coral Gables, the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables (HPACG) celebrated its spring fundraiser recently at the Venetian Pool.
Among the 100 guests enjoying the evening at this beautiful and historic landmark were Robert McCabe, president Emeritus of Miami Dade College, and Arva Moore Parks, local historian and chair of the Coral Gables Museum, whose documentary, Parallel Lives, was screened recently. Other notables in the crowd were Ellen Uguccioni, founding HPACG board member and past president; Dolly MacIntyre, HPACG board secretary and founder of Dade Heritage Trust; Vice Mayor William Kerdyk with his beautiful mother, Marlene; Chris Rupp, Coral Gables Museum executive director, and the museum’s Ellen Dyer.
Guests were greeted that evening with cello music and served Prosecco and iced Limoncello donated by the Zamora Group followed by a wine tasting by Myrna Mayor, U.S. manager of the Zamora Group. The evening’s festivities also included a delectable dinner of paella, dancing under the stars with music by a duo of talented guitarist and percussionist, a fashion show of colorful island resort wear by Calypso St. Barth, and a silent auction organized by HPACG member Amy Kutell.
This jam-packed affair also included a talk by Carolina Vester, manager of the Venetian Pool, on the subject of historic preservation and the historic value and present day maintenance efforts of the Venetian Pool.
Among the many procuring all the donated items and making the evening a success were committee members Ann Goodman, HPACG immediate past president; Jane Maranos; Joan Thompson, and Karelia Martinez Carbonell, HPACG president. Major sponsors for the event were Keyes Real Estate and the Elizabeth Perez Team, and Myrna Mayor Santos of the Zamora Group. Additional sponsors included: Coral Gables Museum; Realtor Cary Avila/EWM; Joan Thompson/Summer House Interiors, and Ann Goodman/Jack Thomas Real Estate.
Keeping with the historic theme of this column, among the many events taking place this month at the Coral Gables Museum will be a welcome reception and presentation by Concepción García Sáiz, director of the American Museum of Madrid, on Thursday, May 29, 6 8 p.m.
The American Museum of Madrid which is a national museum of Spain, holds artistic, archaeological and ethnographic collections from the whole American continent. This promises to be a wonderfully informative and interesting talk as the museum’s collections range from the Paleolithic period to the present day.
Also speaking that evening will be Ana Zabía, curator of the American Museum, and Cristina Esteras, president of the Friends Foundation of the American Museum. Both the lecture and reception are sponsored by the Consulate General of Spain in Miami and will be hosted by Hon. Cristina Barrios, Consul General of Spain in Miami. Presentations will be made in Spanish with English subtitles. This event is free to the public.
The Florida Panther Cheerleaders visited Shell Lumber for Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 10. Free snow cones and the always “free” popcorn were big hits as fans came to pick up Panther items, pose for photos and get autographs. You always can count on Shell Lumber to be involved in the community and treat the costumers like VIPs.
Finally, mark your calendars for the annual “Scoops of Hope” Breakfast at the Westin Colonnade on July 23, to benefit Give Kids the World. Charities interested in participating may sell tickets and keep half of the proceeds for their non-profit programs. Chef Thomas Russo always provides an incredibly yummy buffet topped off with ice cream for dessert, a meal that is completely underwritten by the Westin Colonnade. This is a great way for groups to raise funds with no risk. Tickets are $10.
For more information on how your organization may participate, call 305-968- 3090.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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